Noire Miami's Memorial Day party picks for the weekend

Top events to check out in South Florida

DANCE

Club Play transforms into a day and night destination for Memorial Weekend. The nightclub is set to host everything from bikini contests, fashion shows and rap battles in just two days. Starting Saturday, host Keyshia Kaoir will introduce a summer wear and bikini fashion show and a bikini contest with cash prizes from 2-8 p.m. Later that night, Yo Gotti, the southern rapper from the northern side of Memphis, Tennessee, will be poppin' bottles with the rest of the party goers. The festivities start all over again on Sunday for the Battle Bowl, a rap competition among 12 lyricists, from 2- 8p.m. Later that night, Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy will make an appearance and pop bottles.

Club Play celebrated a re-opening last January. The upscale, two-story venue is decked out with several rooms, flat screen tvs, a wrap-around balcony that allows the upstairs guests to watch all the action happening on the large dance floor below. The nightclub is conveniently located just east of the MacArthur Causeway (I-395) at 1045 5th St, which makes for easy access in and out of the establishment. Plus, the nightclub has an on-premise parking lot.
Club Play
1045 5th St., Miami Beach, FL For more information

WATCH

The Battle Bowl is high on the Noire Miami watch list. On Sunday, 12 rappers from around the country will compete for the title of Battle Bowl winner at Club Play (1045 5th St., Miami Beach, FL). Longtime on-stage rivals will go head to head Math Hoffa from Brooklyn and Cortez from Philly (also known as the battle bullies).

Kenneth Martin, founder of Battle Box, which produces the Bowl, says that this competition is a mix between Freestyle Fridays on BET and Nick Cannon Presents: Wild 'N Out, where rappers try to spit the best lyrics without any preparation. The skill requires quick thinking, rhyming and the ability to make the crowd go wild. Martin says while it's all fun and games, the Bowl is about giving rappers a chance to develop their talent and build a name for themselves. Winners will get production deals, internet radio play and various industry prizes. Doors open at 2 p.m. For more information

RELAX

Tucked away on the South end of downtown Miami, Finnegan's River is a hard-to-find location. Nevertheless, this Memorial Monday Sundays Pon di River pool party and barbeque may be an ideal way to relax, soak up some sunshine and listen to some good tunes. (This is not a typo. This venue hosts its Sunday event on a Monday). The idea is that it just feels like a care-free Sunday when laying by the pool, hanging at the inside or outside bars, or watching games on any of the 20 HD TVs. The urban oasis also offers ample boat dockage. On Monday, the reggae musician Pluto Shervington and his band will perform and Caribbean food will also be available. The party will take place from noon to 9p.m.
Finnegan's on the River
401 SW 3rd Ave., Miami, FL For more information

SUIT UP

The Majestic Group hosts an all-white party on Sunday for an I love the 90s affair at Martini Bar Gulfstream Park and Casino in Hallandale Beach, FL. For anyone trying to figure out how to dress appropriately for both themes we suggest rocking a flattop (or chunky braids) and white overalls. However, don't take our advice, the attire is strongly enforced as chic. So good luck with coordinating. Music will be provided by JisMusic and DJ DP. The party begins at 10 pm.
Martini Bar and Gulfstream Park
601 Silks Run Hallandale Beach, FL 33009For more information